Jared in happier times. The dog Kiki on the left was one of his beloved fosters through Sophie’s Circle Dog Rescue.

Jared is well liked and well respected by many in our animal welfare community for his efforts in taking on some of the toughest rescue cases and fostering them long term. Tragically he recently lost his two foster-turned-adopted dogs Shirley Temple and Powder, his cat Kaya, plus his hospice foster-turned-adopted dog Max, along with all his belongings in a devastating house fire. Two weeks prior to the fire, he had to put to sleep his other beloved hospice foster dog named Kiki, due to kidney disease so he was already at a very low point before the fire.

Max not long after Jared took him in, but already was much better off.

Any animal lover will understand that it’s hard to even begin to imagine how Jared is feeling right now. Max, one of the dogs who was killed in the fire was at a very senior age, in skeletal condition, and with no fur, was dropped at the overnight kennel at Southeast Volusia Humane Society around a year ago with a note attached to him saying “my name is Max”. Nobody was sure if Max would even pull through but Jared immediately stepped up to foster him and take care of him. Jared purchased Max a special body sling, which he would actually hold with a handle and carry to help Max get around, as he was so wobbly on his legs. Incredibly against all odds with Jared’s dedication and love, Max pulled through and finally was able to know what it was like to be well cared for and loved.

Kiki was rescued after a life being neglected outside in a back yard. Jared fostered her under Sophie’s Circle Dog Rescue until she passed away from natural causes a few weeks before the fire. He was heartbroken.

As well as fostering for Southeast Volusia Humane Society Jared has fostered for Sophie’s Circle Dog Rescue and to help him through his grief has started working with a small blue pit mix puppy named Jade at Edgewater Animal Shelter. Jared is such a wonderful foster as he never gives up on the animals and the dogs he takes on are often (like in Max’s case) so old or unwell that they are almost unadoptable and he has taken them on as his own. For example, Kiki the dog pictured above had a terrible skin condition and other medical issues that meant nobody seemed to want to adopt her. Jared did not give up on her though and gave her the best life possible until she finally could fight no more but everyone involved was so happy she finally found someone to love her after years of neglect out in a dusty back yard.

Jared’s family and rescue friends have rallied around and are trying to support him through this terrible time. Newmans Veterinary Center of Edgewater (2305 S Ridgewood Ave, Edgewater, FL 32141) have set up a Pet Holiday fundraiser party on December 17th, from 10 am to 2 pm. All proceeds from the event will go to Jared to help him rebuild his life, and animals in need as he wants to help more animals as a way to honor his lost pets. Please see following Facebook event link for more details. There is also a You Caring fund where donations can be made online to benefit Jared set up at the following link www.youcaring.com/animaljared

Sophie’s Circle Dog Rescue and Pet Food Pantry will be there with dogs for adoption plus there will be live music, food, drinks, doggie obstacle course, doggie photos with Santa, etc. Please consider coming to the event to support this good cause! Jared will be there along with myself and many other local animal friends. Come and ask questions about fostering, pet care, animal rescue or just come and enjoy the day! The hope is to generate something positive out of this sad situation to help Jared recover, help more animals, and help the healing process for all involved.